Description of the attraction
The Basilica of St. Nicholas was built in the city of Bari specifically to store the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which in 1087 were brought here from Myra in Lycia. Historical documents tell that at the time when the relics were brought to the city, the ruler of Bari, Duke Roger I Borsa and the local Archbishop Urson were in Rome, and the relics were deposited in a Benedictine monastery. And when Urson returned, he tried to take possession of the priceless relic, which caused a wave of popular anger. By agreement with the abbot of the monastery, it was decided to build a special church.
The site in the center of Bari, granted for this purpose by the Duke Roger, was chosen as the site for its construction. Already in 1089, the new church was consecrated, and the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker were placed in its crypt. Since then, the basilica has repeatedly become a participant in major historical events: for example, in 1095, Peter of Amiens spoke here with the preaching of the First Crusade, and in 1098, Pope Urban II tried to unite the Catholic and Orthodox churches, albeit unsuccessfully.
The final completion of construction work in the basilica took place only in 1105. Half a century later, it was partially destroyed during the siege of Bari by William I the Wicked, but was soon restored. During the reign of Frederick II, it bore the status of a palace temple. Already in our time, in 1928-1956, restoration work was carried out in the Basilica of St. Nicholas, during which the very sarcophagus with the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker was discovered - it is a small stone box with an opening for collecting peace. Finally, in 1969, another important event in the history of the temple took place - the Vatican allowed Orthodox services to be served in the basilica.
The basilica itself has three naves and is 39 meters long. All naves end with apses, which are enclosed by walls with false arcades. The façade is divided into three parts by columns and is decorated with carvings and a portico supported by columns with figures of bulls. There are two towers on either side of the facade. In the lunette, you can see a bas-relief depicting a solar chariot and Jesus Christ, and on the pediment - a winged sphinx.
The interior of the basilica is decorated with reliefs, capitals and cornices, which were partially taken from more ancient Byzantine temples. The throne and ciborium were made in the first half of the 12th century, and in the second half, the episcopal throne appeared, carved from a single piece of marble.
